Stackable pizza pan

ABSTRACT

A stackable pizza pan is provided that includes a bottom that round in shape and flat; a sidewall integrally formed with the bottom, wherein the sidewall completely surrounds the bottom, wherein the bottom and the sidewall define an interior region having a vertical axis therethrough, and wherein the sidewall includes: a first or lower section tapered outward and away from the interior region and the vertical axis; a second or middle section extending outward from the interior region and away from the vertical axis; and a third or upper section tapered inward and toward the interior region and the vertical axis; and an elongated rim integrally formed with the sidewall, wherein the rim extends outward and away from the interior region, and wherein the rim includes: a curled section, wherein the curled section extends downward toward the bottom and then inward toward the third or upper section of the sidewall.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The described invention relates in general to industrial and/or commercial baking pans and trays, and more specifically to a durable pizza pan that may stacked with other pans of the same type.

Fast food restaurants, also known as quick service restaurants (QSRs) within the industry, are specific types of restaurants characterized by offering cuisine characterized as “fast food” and also by offering minimal or no table service. Food served in fast food restaurants is typically selected from a limited menu; is cooked in bulk in advance and kept hot; is finished and packaged to order; and is usually available ready to carry out or take away, though some seating options may be provided. Fast food restaurants are typically part of a restaurant chain or franchise operation, which provisions standardized ingredients and/or partially prepared foods and supplies such items to each restaurant through controlled supply channels.

Pizza is one type of food commonly offered to customers by fast food restaurants or QSRs. Pizza is typically prepared in a particular shape, namely round, although other shapes and preparations are certainly possible. Baking pans that are used to prepare pizza in the QSR industry are typically used many times during their life cycle and are thus repeatedly subjected to numerous heating and cooling cycles, which may warp or damages the pans. Additionally, such pans are often used to store and proof pizza dough prior to baking. Pizza pans containing uncooked dough are typically stacked on top of one another and placed inside a cooler for storage. Storing dough in pizza pans in a cooler for long periods of time requires a near airtight seal to preserve the contents of the pans. Traditionally, this has been accomplished by placing a lid on each pizza pan and then stacking the pans inside the cooler. This approach results in the consumption of valuable cooler space and requires that separate lids for each pan be purchased, cleaned, and maintained in each restaurant. Thus, there is an ongoing need for a pizza pan that is durable and maintains its shape, and that can also be used to store and proof dough without the need for a separate lid.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The following provides a summary of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention. This summary is not an extensive overview and is not intended to identify key or critical aspects or elements of the present invention or to delineate its scope.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a first pizza pan is provided. This pizza pan includes a bottom that is flat or substantially flat; a sidewall integrally formed with the bottom, wherein the sidewall completely surrounds the bottom, wherein the bottom and the sidewall define an interior region having a vertical axis therethrough, and wherein the sidewall includes: a first or lower section that is tapered outward and away from the interior region and the vertical axis; a second or middle section that extends outward from the interior region and away from the vertical axis; and a third or upper section that is tapered inward and toward the interior region and the vertical axis; and an elongated rim integrally formed with the sidewall, wherein the rim extends outward and away from the interior region, and wherein the rim includes a curled section, wherein the curled section extends downward toward the bottom and then inward toward the third or upper section of the sidewall.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a second pizza pan is provided. This pizza pan includes a bottom that round in shape and flat or substantially flat; a sidewall integrally formed with the bottom, wherein the sidewall completely surrounds the bottom, wherein the bottom and the sidewall define an interior region having a vertical axis therethrough, and wherein the sidewall includes: a first or lower section that is tapered outward and away from the interior region and the vertical axis; a second or middle section that extends outward from the interior region and away from the vertical axis; and a third or upper section that is tapered inward and toward the interior region and the vertical axis; and an elongated rim integrally formed with the sidewall, wherein the rim extends outward and away from the interior region, and wherein the rim includes a curled section, wherein the curled section extends downward toward the bottom and then inward toward the third or upper section of the sidewall.

In yet another aspect of this invention, a method for making a pizza pan is provided. This method includes forming a pan bottom, wherein the bottom is round in shape, and wherein the bottom is flat or substantially flat; forming a sidewall integrally with the bottom, wherein the sidewall completely surrounds the bottom, wherein the bottom and the sidewall define an interior region having a vertical axis therethrough, and wherein the sidewall includes: a first or lower section, wherein the first or lower section is tapered outward and away from the interior region and the vertical axis; a second or middle section, wherein the second or middle section extends outward from the interior region and away from the vertical axis; and a third or upper section, wherein the third or upper section is tapered inward and toward the interior region and the vertical axis; and forming an elongated rim integrally the sidewall, wherein the rim extends outward and away from the interior region, and wherein the rim includes a curled section, wherein the curled section extends downward toward the bottom and then inward toward the third or upper section of the sidewall.

Additional features and aspects of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding the following detailed description of the exemplary embodiments. As will be appreciated by the skilled artisan, further embodiments of the invention are possible without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and associated descriptions are to be regarded as illustrative and not restrictive in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and form a part of the specification, schematically illustrate one or more exemplary embodiments of the invention and, together with the general description given above and detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional side view of a portion of a pizza pan or pizza tray in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional side view of the entire pizza pan of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the pizza pan of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional side view of two prior art pizza pans stacked on top of one another; and

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional side view of two of the pizza pans of FIG. 1 stacked on top of one another in a nesting configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Exemplary embodiments of the present invention are now described with reference to the Figures. Reference numerals are used throughout the detailed description to refer to the various elements and structures. Although the following detailed description contains many specifics for the purposes of illustration, a person of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that many variations and alterations to the following details are within the scope of the invention. Accordingly, the following embodiments of the invention are set forth without any loss of generality to, and without imposing limitations upon, the claimed invention.

As previously indicated, the present invention relates in general to industrial and/or commercial baking pans and trays, and more specifically to a durable pizza pan that may stacked with other pans of the same type. Dough may be stored and proofed within the stacked pans. With reference now to the Figures, FIG. 1 provides a cross-sectional side view of a pizza pan 10 in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Pizza pan 10 includes a flat or substantially flat pan bottom 12, sidewall 14 which is integrally formed with bottom 12 and which completely surrounds bottom 12. Pan bottom 12 and sidewall 14 define interior region 26, which has central vertical axis 28 running therethrough. Side wall 14 includes first or lower section 16, which is tapered outward and away from interior region 26 and vertical axis 28; a second or middle section 18 that extends outward from interior region 26 and away from vertical axis 28; and third or upper section 20, which is tapered inward and toward interior region 26 and vertical axis 28. Elongated perimeter rim 22 is integrally formed with sidewall 14 and extends outward and away from interior region 26. Perimeter rim 22 includes curled section 24, wherein the curled section extends downward toward bottom 12 and then inward toward third or upper section 20 of sidewall 14. In an exemplary embodiment, pizza pan 10 has a top outer diameter of 14.93 inches (379.2 mm), a top an inner diameter of 14.16 inches (359.7 mm), and a bottom inner diameter of 13.94 inches (354.0 mm). In exemplary embodiment, pizza pan 10 has a height of 2.00 inches (50.8 mm). In an exemplary embodiment, the length of perimeter rim 22 is 0.406 inches (10.3 mm) and the height of perimeter rim 22 is either 0.38 inches (9.5 mm) or 0.31 inches (7.9 mm). In an exemplary embodiment, first or lower section 16 has a height of 1.03 inches (26.2 mm) (this height may be referred to a “nesting height”) and second or middle section 18 has a height of 0.11 inches (2.7 mm) (this height or section may be referred to as a “nesting step”).

Pizza pan 10, may be circular or round in shape, although other shapes such as, for example, ellipses, squares, and rectangles are possible. In an exemplary embodiment, the outward taper of first or lower section 16 is about 2° relative to vertical axis 28 and the inward taper of third or upper section 20 is about 2° relative to vertical axis 28, although other angles and configurations are possible. For example, in other embodiments, lower and upper sections 16 and 20 are tapered outward and inward respectively from about 2° to about 5° relative to vertical axis 28. Pizza pan 10 is typically monolithic and bottom 12, sidewall 14, and rim 22 are all formed from a single piece of material. In an exemplary embodiment, pan 10, is manufactured from a high-strength aluminum alloy that is hard anodized and darkened, which facilitates rapid heat transfer in a pizza oven. Other metals and suitable materials may be used to manufacture pizza pan 10, which may also be treated or covered with a suitable release coating.

With reference to FIGS. 2-3, FIG. 2 provides a cross-sectional side view of two prior art pizza pans stacked on top of one another and FIG. 3 provides a cross-sectional side view of two of the pizza pans of the present invention stacked on top of one another in a nesting configuration. The configuration of sidewall 14 allows multiple pans 10 to be stacked on top of one another, whereby one pan serves as a lid for the pan underneath it, thereby eliminating the need for a separate lid. The inter-nesting of pans saves valuable space inside a cooler because the pans stack inside each other with only enough space allowance for a dough piece in each pan. As shown in FIG. 2, prior art pans that are capable of nesting include a straight sidewall with a relatively short middle section that creates a very tight fit between stacked pans. Slight damage to such pans or carbon build-up occurring over time can cause the pans to stick together, thus making it extremely difficult to separate stacked pans. As shown in FIG. 3, pizza pan 10 includes a bowed sidewall 14, which includes an outwardly-tapered lower section 16, a pronounced or extended middle section 18 (compared to prior art designs), and an inwardly-tapered or reverse tapered upper section 20. This unique sidewall configuration permits the pans of the present invention to effectively nest and create a desirable seal between pans, while still permitting the pans to be easily separated from one another prior to baking due to the increased sidewall clearance between pans provided by the described features of sidewall 14.

The increased nesting offset provided by middle section 18 also provides enhanced pan rigidity and permits a near airtight seal when pans are stacked. The nesting offset strengthens the pan at the mid-point of sidewall 14 for retaining a circular shape after heavy use in a QSR environment. The pans of this invention have the ability to remain true round and do not warp or otherwise suffer damage that would affect the air tight seal between pans or cause pans to stick together when nested. Elongating perimeter rim 22 in the horizontal plane adds further rigidity and strength to the pan perimeter, which also permits pan 10 to retain its circular geometry after heavy and repeated use.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of exemplary embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in certain detail, there is no intention to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the appended claims to such detail. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to any of the specific details, representative devices and methods, and/or illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept. 

What is claimed: 1) A pan, comprising: (a) a bottom, wherein the bottom is flat or substantially flat; (b) a sidewall integrally formed with the bottom, wherein the sidewall completely surrounds the bottom, wherein the bottom and the sidewall define an interior region having a vertical axis therethrough, and wherein the sidewall includes: (i) a first or lower section, wherein the first or lower section is tapered outward and away from the interior region and the vertical axis; (ii) a second or middle section, wherein the second or middle section extends outward from the interior region and away from the vertical axis; and (iii) a third or upper section, wherein the third or upper section is tapered inward and toward the interior region and the vertical axis; and (c) an elongated rim integrally formed with the sidewall, wherein the rim extends outward and away from the interior region, and wherein the rim includes: (i) a curled section, wherein the curled section extends downward toward the bottom and then inward toward the third or upper section of the sidewall. 2) The pan of claim 1, wherein the bottom is circular in shape. 3) The pan of claim 1, wherein the bottom is rectangular in shape. 4) The pan of claim 1, wherein the outward taper of the first or lower section is about 2° to about 5° relative to the vertical axis. 5) The pan of claim 1, wherein the inward taper of the third or upper section is about 2° to about 5° relative to the vertical axis. 6) The pan of claim 1, wherein the pan is monolithic, and wherein the bottom, sidewall, and rim are formed from a single piece of material. 7) The pan of claim 1, wherein the pan is made from aluminum alloy. 8) The pan of claim 1, wherein aluminum alloy is hard anodized and darkened. 9) A pan, comprising: (a) a bottom, wherein the bottom is circular in shape, and wherein the bottom is flat or substantially flat; (b) a sidewall integrally formed with the bottom, wherein the sidewall completely surrounds the bottom, wherein the bottom and the sidewall define an interior region having a vertical axis therethrough, and wherein the sidewall includes: (i) a first or lower section, wherein the first or lower section is tapered outward and away from the interior region and the vertical axis; (ii) a second or middle section, wherein the second or middle section extends outward from the interior region and away from the vertical axis; and (iii) a third or upper section, wherein the third or upper section is tapered inward and toward the interior region and the vertical axis; and (c) an elongated rim integrally formed with the sidewall, wherein the rim extends outward and away from the interior region, and wherein the rim includes: (i) a curled section, wherein the curled section extends downward toward the bottom and then inward toward the third or upper section of the sidewall. 10) The pan of claim 9, wherein the outward taper of the first or lower section is about 2° to about 5° relative to the vertical axis. 11) The pan of claim 9, wherein the inward taper of the third or upper section is about 2° to about 5° relative to the vertical axis. 12) The pan of claim 9, wherein the pan is monolithic, and wherein the bottom, sidewall, and rim are formed from a single piece of material. 13) The pan of claim 9, wherein the pan is made from aluminum alloy. 14) The pan of claim 9, wherein aluminum alloy is hard anodized and darkened. 15) A method for making a pan, comprising: (a) forming a bottom, wherein the bottom is circular in shape, and wherein the bottom is flat or substantially flat; (b) forming a sidewall integrally with the bottom, wherein the sidewall completely surrounds the bottom, wherein the bottom and the sidewall define an interior region having a vertical axis therethrough, and wherein the sidewall includes: (i) a first or lower section, wherein the first or lower section is tapered outward and away from the interior region and the vertical axis; (ii) a second or middle section, wherein the second or middle section extends outward from the interior region and away from the vertical axis; and (iii) a third or upper section, wherein the third or upper section is tapered inward and toward the interior region and the vertical axis; and (c) forming an elongated rim integrally the sidewall, wherein the rim extends outward and away from the interior region, and wherein the rim includes: (i) a curled section, wherein the curled section extends downward toward the bottom and then inward toward the third or upper section of the sidewall. 16) The method of claim 15, wherein the outward taper of the first or lower section is about 2° to about 5° relative to the vertical axis. 17) The method of claim 15, wherein the inward taper of the third or upper section is about 2° to about 5° relative to the vertical axis. 18) The method of claim 15, wherein the pan is monolithic, and wherein the bottom, sidewall, and rim are formed from a single piece of material. 19) The method of claim 15, wherein the pan is made from aluminum alloy. 20) The method of claim 15, wherein aluminum alloy is hard anodized and darkened. 